All the Dangerous Things, by Charleston-based New York Times bestselling author Stacy Willingham, is a fictional thriller and Willingham’s second published novel. It was released nationally Jan. 10, although Palmetto Brewing Company and Buxton Books in Charleston had a book launch party Sunday.
“[A] lyrical thriller… this involving, thought-provoking page-turner raises disturbing questions about the nature of the stories people tell themselves to make sense of the world. Willingham remains an author to watch,” said Publishers Weekly, an international book review website.
Willingham garnered acclaim with her debut mystery novel, A Flicker in the Dark, that was released last year.
Anticipation surrounded the latest book release with media outlets including Buzzfeed and PopSugar placing it on their respective “Most Anticipated” and “Best of 2023” lists.
The novel is about Isabelle Drake, a woman whose life is forever altered when her toddler son is kidnapped from his room in the middle of the night.
Unable to sleep, Drake obsesses over finding evidence or a witness to help her locate her missing son.
She agrees to an interview with a true crime podcaster in the hopes she’ll discover new information. But, amidst the podcaster’s unceasing questioning, Drake brings up uncomfortable memories from her past, causing her to question her memories of the night her son disappeared and second-guessing who she can trust — including herself.
Early positive reviews for All the Dangerous Things
Willingham’s second novel has received positive early reviews so far.
Entertainment news publication Vulture said that fans of Willingham’s first novel, or of suspenseful reads in general, would enjoy All the Dangerous Things.
“Stellar suspense at its very best. More than a crime story (though it’s certainly that), the book is also contemplation of motherhood, sisterhood, womanhood. Rather than falling victim to the dreaded sophomore slump, the author takes the best elements of her debut (complex characters, atmospheric setting, faulty memory, toxic secrets) and amplifies them to dizzying effect. All the pieces are there, yet every time you think you’ve put them together, she rearranges them into something more salient and shocking,” said Vulture.
“Simply put: If you liked A Flicker in the Dark, you’ll love All the Dangerous Things. It may only be the first month of 2023, but this one will rightfully find itself on many a year-end, best-of list.”
All the Dangerous Things is available for purchase online or at your local bookstore.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No newspaper subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations from downtown to North Charleston to Johns Island to Summerville to Mount Pleasant.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.